JAM Software, developer of the disk space analyzer TreeSize, has shifted its business model to require subscription payments for support and updates beyond the initial maintenance period on perpetual licenses. The company stated that current economic conditions necessitated this change to ensure long-term development and support reliability.
Since 2025, most TreeSize editions have transitioned to subscription-based models, with perpetual licenses now offered only for personal use, which include 12 months of updates, support, and access to older versions and the license itself. After this period ends, customers seeking continued support must subscribe to software they previously purchased outright. The company has confirmed it has no plans to discontinue perpetual license sales for TreeSize Personal.
A significant source of customer frustration stems from JAM Software’s policy of not providing installation files or license keys to customers whose support periods have expired. The company justifies this approach by citing security risks associated with older software versions that may contain bugs or vulnerabilities, as well as the technical and organizational costs of maintaining indefinite access to legacy versions. The company proactively notifies customers before maintenance periods end, urging them to back up their installation files and license keys independently.
Product manager Hendrik Christ acknowledged the change has been frustrating for some customers but emphasized that perpetual license holders retain indefinite use of their purchased software versions. The company declined requests for refunds, arguing that customers receive what was contractually agreed upon. Christ attributed the shift to broader economic challenges facing software vendors and the need for more predictable revenue streams to maintain quality standards for business customers.
The TreeSize situation reflects a broader industry trend toward subscription-based business models. Software vendors increasingly pursue recurring revenue streams rather than one-time purchases, and the disconnect between customer expectations for perpetual licenses and the practical limitations vendors impose has become a point of contention in the growing subscription economy.